Grading the LA Clippers at the halfway point of the season
Trezz vs. Zu
RS: I saw a mention of both Trezz and Ivica Zubac, so you can only assume what’s coming next. First, grade each of the two centers individually.
SK: Corey Maggette called Zubac a “superstar in his role” and I think that’s pretty perfect. Zu isn’t a top ten player in the league or anything, but for what he’s asked to do, I give him an A.
LS: Trezz has won games for the team by taking over when the offense just wasn’t flowing. He’s responsible for a few wins by playing like he’s bigger than he is. Zu is raw and continues to trend upward, he’s been an A for his development. The only concern is against other premier bigs. A reason why the team could use another big to help.
CW: I’ll give Trez a B+. He’s averaging career-highs in scoring, rebounding, field goal attempts, and free throw percentage, but a career-low in field goal percentage, which is likely tied to him averaging nearly three more shots per game than his previous high. I do recall him posting a black image on his Instagram story at the beginning of the summer with lines of text describing what he would like to improve at. From what I’ve seen, his game hasn’t transformed much at all. He hardly leaves the paint, and even though he plays like the Energizer Bunny, I’d love to see him be able to stretch the floor.
LS: He is trying more types of shots I have seen so maybe that might tie with him working those into game speed
SK: There have been several turnovers from Trezz trusting his handles maybe a bit too much. But that’s encouraging to me. If he’s more comfortable dribbling come playoffs, that adds a new wrinkle.
CW: Zubac has been better than I expected. I wrote an article over the offseason about trades to get a better center, but since then Zubac has been doing exactly what’s asked of him. He does need more minutes though, and I’m still interested in the idea of bringing in another center to give the team more size. I’ll grade him a B.
LS: I’m good with Trezz at a B.
RS: I’d think considering the lower expectations we had for Zubac, he deserves at least an A-. He’s been pretty great at protecting the rim and (correct me if I’m wrong) hasn’t been in too much foul trouble. I also absolutely love his rapport with Kawhi and their pick-and-roll game.
AR: I would say that the consensus has Zubac at an A, but I will give him a B+. Zu is phenomenal in his role, but I would love to see Doc give him more minutes. Then I would give him an A with more playing time.
RS: You can’t fail the student when the teacher doesn’t give out all the materials, Adrian!
MC: I’ll start with Zu as he’s been (not so secretly) one of my favorite players on the team this year. Zu has been amazing at just doing all the things he’s supposed to be doing. He sets hard screens, crashes the boards, and blocks shots. That’s exactly what the Clippers need from him and he’s excelling, even in limited minutes. I strongly believe that he needs to be utilized more by Doc Rivers. To me, Zubac deserves a solid A.
He’s been great, and if he just cuts down on the fouls, that would be even better. Trezz is a little bit tough for me to grade. He always brings the energy and that absolutely can’t be taken away from him–but he also gets totally cooked on defense sometimes because of his size. That’s not necessarily his fault, but it is a thing that affects the team and not exactly in the best way. With that said, his continued development at the offensive end has been wonderful and you just can’t not love the guy’s competitive spirit. I have him at a B.
RS: I don’t think it was a secret where I was going with this, but who are you putting in your closing lineup if you are the coach?
CW: Zu, baby.
AR: True very true Ryan. Let me just say, after that huge dunk on Sexton. Zu gets an A+!
LS: I feel it depends on what’s put in front of you, the team has the luxury to play bigger with Zu or small with Trezz, but if this is just a generic closing line up probably Zu
MC: I know the Clippers’ actual coach would certainly disagree with me, but I want Zubac out there for sure. Gimme all that defense. That closing lineup will be featuring Kawhi Leonard, Lou Williams, and Paul George. I don’t need buckets from my center, I want him stopping the other team from getting them. Defense wins championships, baby!
SK: Despite the fact that I grade Zubac higher, I’d still go Trezz. I think he’s more of a pick and roll threat, but Zubac is improving there. Also, Trezz spreads the floor more. He doesn’t shoot, but his athleticism lets him stay further from the basket and crash it.
CW: Zubac’s size and defense are more important at that time of the game. If we need a bucket in the paint, Trez might be the way to go, but I’d rather have Kawhi, Paul, Pat Bev, or, despite my earlier comments, Lou have the ball in their hands with the game on the line.
AR: Easily Beverley, Williams, George, Leonard, and Trezz. Maybe swapping Zu for defensive purposes.
LS: I’m fine starting Zu running Trezz during the meat of the game then Zu to close out for stopping power to close out.